May 30, 2021

A Special Recognition & Rose: Laverne Darr

Roses, perhaps the most recognizable of flowers, often evoke feelings of love, remembrance and respect when included in arrangements after the death of an individuals.
 
For many years, EveryStep Hospice teams would provide the family of a deceased patient with a rose during their loved one’s memorial services. While this gesture has touched the hearts of many families and staff members, EveryStep wanted to provide a longer-lasting memento to offer comfort and peace for years to come.
 
With that in mind, EveryStep has recently began gifting families of hospice patients with a beautiful metal flower.
 
Laverne Darr, of rural Winterset, recently received the gift from EveryStep Hospice volunteer coordinator Chris Nolte.
 
Darr's wife of more than 60 years, Corrine, passed way in EveryStep's care in early March. With her family gathered, Nolte felt it was an appropriate time to not only present the rose in Corrine’s memory, but also honor Laverne Darr's service to his country. Darr joined the Air Force at the tail end of the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1956.
 
Nolte coordinated a special recognition and remembrance presentation with Darr and his three children, Terry, Diane and Laurie. Nolte and his wife Jean are members of the national Quilts of Valor program that recognizes veterans for their service. At the ceremony, the Noltes presented Darr with an EveryStep Hospice rose and a quilt created by Jean.
 
Quilts of Valor are awarded to military members and veterans who have been touched by war. The mission of the organization is to cover service members with comfort and healing, while recognizing their service both to the armed forces and their communities.
 
During his military career, Darr served at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, following basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and B-36 Bomber mechanical training at Sheppard Air Force Base.
 
Following his time in the service, Darr farmed for many years in Madison County and worked as the longest-serving bus drivers for the Winterset School District, completing 28 years of transporting students.